London NoBorders condemns in the strongest terms the violence that led to the death of Jimmy Mubenga following an attempt to deport him to Angola earlier this week.(1)

On Tuesday evening 46 year old Jimmy was put on BA flight 77 from Heathrow to Luanda. He was accompanied by three security guards from G4S who according to eyewitnesses violently assualted him. An ambulance was called to the airport and Jimmy was taken to Hillingdon Hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival. (2)

Richard Edwards, a spokesperson for London NoBorders, stated: "This is yet another example of the violence of border regimes. Every year hundreds of people are deported from Europe, often by physical force, to face uncertain futures and sometimes persecution and death. Meanwhile hundreds die trying to enter the EU."

Violence during deportations from Europe is been well documented and has been happening for many years. In 1998 for example, Semira Adamou died from suffocation during an attempt to deport her from Belgium. And on 17th March this year, Alex Uzowulu died on a flight from Switzerland after police handcuffed him and placed a helmet on his head. (3)

Jimmy leaves behind his wife Makenda and their five children.

London NoBorders

Notes to editors:
(1) London NoBorders is a group which calls for an end to immigration controls.
(2) See eyewitness reports here.
(3) See a Medical Justice report highlighting abuse on deportation
flights from the UK here